Learn then leave the Lies and Hypocrisy - Buying Assistant David Jones Employee Review

1.0
19 Dec 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The systems and processes at DJs are somewhat manual but overall they are a lot more easy to learn and understand than many other companies within the retail industry. Some managers are nice and helpful, not the majority but the minority.

Cons

It's taken me almost 10 months to write this review after leaving the business, not because I didn't feel comfortable with publishing my review but more so due to the long list of cons associated with David Jones and the managers who would start a witch-hunt to guess who left the review. If you are interviewing for a role in Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories I would highly suggest you reconsider whether you want your mental health to decline, especially if you do not see yourself enjoying criticism being labelled behind your back, comments about your lunch especially if you are eating carbohydrates or if your partner isn't in a high paying successful career. The culture within the WW F&A team is nothing short of toxic ran behind a facade of improving the business and furthering yourself, this couldn't be further from the truth and management will use and abuse you the more you want to succeed. Rules are made and enforced for every BA, BAA and Allocator yet anyone above that level can do as they like without any question; don't dare ask to work-from-home on office days despite the some of management residing in Sydney and rarely showing up to the office. The buyers assistants and I were constantly starved of any promotion, a carrot dangled in front of us with zero actual success - this further extends to training programs such as the Merchandise Capabilities Program. All promotions are decided before the so called process has begun, management instead enjoy going through the formalities in a cruel way to get hopes up and then crush them. The best candidate isn't the most competent person, rather who management socially get along with the best and fits their "criteria"; slim, caucasian, wearing designer and and mean. Once that chosen individual has been promoted immediately you will be greeted by their newfound arrogance and entitlement. Once or twice a year there will be a sample sale, BAs, BAAs and Allocators get some grace by being the first to pick. Please don't get your hopes up, the the WW F&A management decided it would be more appropriate for them to get first choice on products, classy as always! This also extends to actual samples from brands, please make sure you hide yours as some managers in buying like to "borrow" items only for them to be never seen or returned eventually damaged. If you are seeing any coworkers outside of the office, please ensure you keep this information to yourselves, jealousy is rife within the wider team. Despite this managers above our level will do the same, discuss it in front of everyone within the office and not be able to see their hypocrisy. Leaving at the start of this year was the best decision I made, it is not until you join any other company do you understand how great the Stockholm Syndrome was impacting your judgement. Don't join with the idea you will make any friends, everyone is simply to be treated as a coworker and nothing more as people will backstab you and throw you under the bus for their personal gain. If anyone from DJs is reading this review, please take it from me that the grass is FAR greener on the other side.

Explore other reviews about David Jones

5.0
27 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great brand and history. An icon.

Cons

Getting smaller. Can do better online.

5.0
27 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The work environment is collaborative and supportive with helpful team members

Cons

Growth opportunities are limited and communication can sometimes be unclear

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